Motorcyclist Dies in Fatal North Fort Meyers Crash

NORTH FORT MEYERS, FL- According to News-press.com, a motorcyclist died on Monday, November 5, 2018, in a crash that occurred in North Fort Meyers.

The victim, William Lee Sanger, 20, of North Fort Meyers, died after striking a 2016 Chevrolet Impala.

The driver of the Impala was identified as Steffen B. Bighames, 20, of Fort Meyers.

The report indicates that Sanger road into the intersection of Moody and Sanger Roads at about 5:57 p.m. and struck the Impala, which was making a left turn onto Moody at the time of the crash.

Sanger did not have a helmet on when the collision occurred. The victim died at the scene of the collision.

There have now been 78 traffic deaths in Lee County in 2018.

In Florida, motorcyclists must wear a helmet until they reach the age of 21, and have medical insurance coverage of $10,000 or more.

Many motorcyclists have fought against helmet laws and think that the decision to wear a helmet or ride without one is an issue of personal freedoms. Some riders feel passionate that the decision should be theirs and theirs alone. However, studies indicate that helmet laws do have an impact on motorcycle safety. In places that repealed their helmet laws, which includes Florida, there have been rises in deaths and traumatic brain injuries.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) states that helmets increase rider’s chances of surviving a motorcycle crash by about 37 percent. Helmets also prevent traumatic brain injuries. In 2016, 39 percent of all motorcyclists killed in crashes were not using a helmet at the time of the accident.